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Science News Archive February 2009 - Page 14


Page 14 of 24

New strategy to combat cancer: Streamlining blood vessel walls

The study reveals that PHD2-blockers can convert abnormal endothelial layers into tightly aligned cells, allowing anti-cancer medicines to reach their destination more easily. This improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces cancer cell migration.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateFeb 12, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Astronomers unveiling life's cosmic origins

Researchers have discovered complex organic molecules in interstellar space using powerful radio telescopes. Detailed images of protoclusters reveal a complex mix of stars in different stages of formation.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateFeb 12, 2009

NSERC at 2009 AAAS Annual Meeting

Seven Canadians are inducted as AAAS Fellows for their meritorious contributions to science and engineering. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada highlights the 'Canadian way' of pursuing scientific research through partnerships and networks.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 12, 2009

AAAS Annual Meeting news: Dining habits of early humans

Recent findings suggest early humans primarily ate gelatin, contradicting the long-held notion that they ate hard, tough foods like nuts. This shift in understanding may be linked to crisis situations rather than everyday dietary needs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 12, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Vital climate change warnings are being ignored, says expert

A University of Alberta biologist is sounding the alarm on Canada's neglect of crucial research on climate change's effects on its lakes, reservoirs, and carbon cycles. Studies reveal that lake water levels are depleting at a rate of less than one percent per year, posing a significant threat to emergency water supplies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009

New findings on climate change and fisheries

Scientists have developed a new computer model predicting climate-driven shifts in commercially important fish species. The study suggests that most fish will migrate towards the Pole, with devastating consequences for developing countries' fishing industries.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateFeb 12, 2009
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Fructose-sweetened drinks increase nonfasting triglycerides in obese adults

A study by Monell Center researchers found that fructose-sweetened beverages increased triglyceride levels in obese individuals, even when consumed with meals. This effect was most pronounced in insulin-resistant subjects, who already had high triglyceride levels.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2009

ASU genetics research sheds light on evolution of the human diet

Researchers at ASU have discovered that humans have a unique genetic adaptation to starch consumption, with high-starch diets associated with more copies of the AMY1 gene. This finding provides insight into why certain populations may be better equipped to handle diarrheal diseases.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 12, 2009

Women's cancer outcomes improved by surgical evaluation

A post-hysterectomy analysis found about half of women with pre-cancerous cell changes still had invasive endometrial cancer. Women diagnosed with complex atypical hyperplasia should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for evaluation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateFeb 12, 2009
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Researchers crack the code of the common cold

The study provides a powerful tool for developing effective treatments against the common cold by sequencing the genetic codes of human rhinoviruses. The researchers found that the viruses are organized into about 15 small groups and can mutate rapidly, making a 'one drug fits all' approach ineffective.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009

New silver-based ink has applications in electronics, researchers say

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new silver-based ink that allows for flexible and stretchable microelectrodes. The ink can be used in electronic and optoelectronic applications to create integrated systems from diverse materials on various substrates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 12, 2009

Plugging in molecular wires

Researchers developed a new process to capture light energy with nearly equal efficiency by connecting molecular wires to biological photosynthetic systems. This approach improves the transfer of electrons, achieving high quantum yields similar to natural photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 12, 2009

Surprising interactions of diabetes mellitus and sepsis

Researchers found that diabetic patients are less likely to develop acute respiratory failure during severe sepsis. They discovered that people with diabetes and sepsis were more likely to develop acute renal failure than those without diabetes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateFeb 12, 2009

Roles of DNA packaging protein revealed by Einstein scientists

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have found that linker histone H1 is necessary for holding together pericentric heterochromatin, a region close to the center of chromosomes. H1 also regulates the expression of genes within this region. The study uses fruit fly larvae to examine H1's role in gene regulation.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 12, 2009
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Herpes virus: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate

Researchers have discovered a transient protective effect of herpesvirus infections in mice, suggesting possible benefits against bacterial pathogens. The findings, confirmed by Dr. Marcia Blackman's team, contradict previous suggestions that vaccinated individuals may experience unintended negative consequences.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalViral Immunology·DateFeb 12, 2009

Chronic infection may add to developing-world deaths

Researchers from MIT indicate that underlying gastrointestinal infections increase severity of acute diarrhea and delay recovery. The analysis provides a model for evaluating new preventive strategies or therapeutic treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 12, 2009
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

It's no fish tale: Omega-3 fatty acids prevent medical complications of obesity

Researchers discovered that omega-3 fatty acids protect against liver damage and insulin resistance caused by obesity. The study found that lipids called protectins and resolvins derived from omega-3 fatty acids reduced the incidence of liver complications in obese mice, leading to improved insulin tolerance.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 12, 2009

'Science:' Novel quantum effect directly observed and explained

A research team has successfully observed the quantum spin Hall effect, where electrons flow without external stimulus due to internal material structure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers and spin sources suitable for quantum computing and information processing.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009

US Atlantic cod population to drop by half by 2050

Climate change is expected to drastically impact world fisheries, with US Atlantic cod populations projected to decline by 50% by 2050. The study, led by William Cheung, simulates changes in ocean temperature and current patterns caused by various climate scenarios.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateFeb 12, 2009

Psychoactive compound activates mysterious receptor

A hallucinogenic compound found in a plant indigenous to South America has been discovered to activate the sigma-1 receptor, a protein abundant throughout the body. This finding may have implications for treating drug abuse and depression, with potential applications for developing new, highly selective drugs to inhibit the receptor.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Montana State University tracks warming trend in northwestern North America

A Montana State University study has found that the coldest daily temperatures recorded in Bozeman, Mont., and Coldstream, British Columbia, have occurred less often over the past several decades. Extreme warm nighttime temperatures have become more frequent at a rate of about one percent per year or 10 percent per decade.

SourceMontana State University·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 12, 2009

Smoking prevention campaign saving billions in smoking-related care

Researchers estimate that truth saved $1.9 billion in health care costs associated with tobacco use by preventing youth from starting to smoke. The campaign's expansion would be an excellent public health investment due to its cost-effectiveness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2009
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Major step for drug discovery and diagnostics

Researchers at University of Copenhagen have developed a general method to study membrane proteins, reducing the development time for useful drugs substantially. The method uses amphipols to immobilize membrane proteins on surfaces, allowing for faster and more accurate testing.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2009

Draft version of the Neanderthal genome completed

Researchers from Max Planck Institute and 454 Life Sciences Corp. have completed a draft version of the Neandertal genome, providing insights into their genetic relationship with modern humans. The study reveals significant differences between the Neandertal and human genomes, shedding light on how our species diverged.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 12, 2009

Potential atherosclerosis drug exhibits no harmful side-effects in liver

Researchers developed a synthetic atherosclerosis drug, DMHCA, which targets the Liver X Receptors and reduces plaque formation without increasing fat levels. The study found significant therapeutic promise, with DMHCA significantly reducing arterial lesions in mice by 45-48%.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateFeb 12, 2009
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Have migraine? Bigger waistline may be linked

A study of 22,211 people found that abdominal obesity increased the risk of migraine headaches in those aged 20-55, especially in women. Losing weight around the stomach area may be beneficial for reducing migraine risk in this age group.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 12, 2009

Chewing gum helps treat hyperphosphatemia in kidney disease patients

A study found that chewing gum with a phosphate-binding ingredient can help maintain proper phosphate levels and prevent cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients. Salivary phosphate levels decreased significantly after two weeks of chewing, while blood phosphate levels also showed a notable reduction.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 12, 2009
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Penguins marching into trouble

Long-term research reveals a quarter-century of data on penguin numbers, showing a decline of over 20 percent in the last 22 years. Penguins are struggling with food scarcity, leading them to nest outside protected areas where they fall prey to predators.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateFeb 12, 2009

Children's early gesture have important link to school preparedness

Research at the University of Chicago found that children who convey more meanings with gestures at 14 months have larger vocabularies at 54 months, indicating better school preparedness. The study also showed differences in parent gesture use between high- and low-income families.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Decreasing insulin resistance prevents obesity-related cardiovascular damage

Researchers found that knocking out the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) gene improves cardiovascular function in genetically fat mice with diabetes. The study suggests that PTP1B contributes to insulin resistance, which can lead to impaired nitric oxide dilation and vascular remodeling. By improving fine control of blood glucos...

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateFeb 11, 2009

Read my lips: Using multiple senses in speech perception

Recent studies suggest that humans use multiple senses for speech perception, including lip-reading, teeth movements, and facial features. The McGurk Effect demonstrates the integration of visual and auditory information, showing how our brains blend these senses together to process speech.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 11, 2009
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Carnegie's Richard Meserve to receive AAAS Abelson Award

Richard A. Meserve, Carnegie Institution president, receives the AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Award for advancing public interest and exceptional scientific contributions. The award recognizes his dedication to international science advancement.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateFeb 11, 2009

Cell injections accelerate fracture healing

A multi-centre study found that osteoblast cell injections accelerated fracture healing, with increased bone growth and no significant patient complications. The treatment is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional methods, allowing for faster recovery without surgery.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders·DateFeb 11, 2009

Y chromosome and surname study challenges infidelity 'myth'

Researchers found that men with rare surnames share similar Y chromosomes, indicating a common ancestor within the past 700 years. This challenges the 'one in ten' figure for children born through infidelity, which may be an exaggeration.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 11, 2009

Pubic hair provides evolutionary home for gorilla lice

A new article suggests that gorilla lice evolved to infest pubic hair around 3.3 million years ago, possibly due to human-gorilla contact. This divergence occurred despite humans and gorillas diverging from a common ancestor at least 7 million years ago.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateFeb 11, 2009
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Fox Chase researchers give mutants another chance

Fox Chase researchers have shown that manipulating the amount of Hsp70 can restore function to mutated proteins, which could potentially reduce severity or correct certain hereditary diseases. By modifying the chaperone environment, they hope to give Hsp70 better opportunities to rescue broken proteins.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 11, 2009

'Green' plastics could help reduce carbon footprint

Scientists have developed a method to produce biodegradable plastics from plants, which can be used to replace petroleum-based plastics. The new plastic, called polyhdroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV), is flexible and moldable, and can be naturally degraded into water and carbon dioxide by bacteria in the soil.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateFeb 11, 2009

True or false? How our brain processes negative statements

Pragmatically licensed statements, which sound natural and informative, don't hinder the brain's understanding of negative statements. In contrast, pragmatically unlicensed statements elicit similar ERPs to true words, suggesting negation is not more challenging when useful.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 11, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.